Apparatus for forging ingots into a base material



E. MULLER Oct. 5, 1965 APPARATUS FOR FORGING INGOTS INTO A BASE MATERIAL4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 9, 1961 Oct. 5, 1965 E. MULLER 3,

APPARATUS FOR FORGING INGO'IS INTO A BASE MATERIAL Filed Feb. 9. 1961 4Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 5, 1965 E. MULLER 3,209,578

APPARATUS FOR FORGING INGOTS INTO A BASE MATERIAL Filed Feb. 9, 1961 4Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent APPARATUS FOR FORGIN G TNGOTS INTO ABASE MATERIAL Ernst Miiller, Duisburg, Germany, assignor to FirmaHydraulik G.rn.b.H., Duisburg, Germany Filed Feb. 9, 1961, Ser. No.88,0'3'9 Claims priority, application Germany, Feb. 11, 1960,

6 Claims. '(Cl. 72-407) This invention relates to an apparatus forforging ingots into a base material and more particularly to anapparatus in which two opposed forging saddles work the ingots withequal, uniform pressure distributed along a plane which passes throughthe center line of the ingot and the stroke of the forging saddles.

This invention provides an apparatus for forging cast ingots intoaluminum base material which may be worked subsequently in a rollingmill to form plates sheets or strips. For this purpose special rollingmills also called blooming mills or roughing mills are usually employed.Such rolling mills are designed to operate in a continuous manner andrequire the rolling of a substantial amount of material in order tobecome commercially practical in view of the high investment andoperating costs of such rolling mills.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an apparatus formanufacturing base material from cast ingots which requires smallerinvestment and operating expenses compared to the usual rolling millsand which are more suitable for handling also smaller amounts ofmaterial.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus forreducing ingots by means of two oppositely moving saddles of a hydraulicpress by uniform impact from opposite sides to a predetermined shape andsize while advancing the ingots step by step through the press.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus inwhich the ingot and the forged base material are guided through thepress along a plane which passes through the center line of the ingot,the stroke of the forging saddles and of the forged base material.

It has been found that a forging of the ingots produces equallyextensive form changes on the ingot as a rolling of the ingot in arolling mill.

Forging presses for reducing ingots in order to produce a base materialof steel, especially high quality steel which is to be worked further insubsequent operations are already known in the prior art. In theapparatus of the present invention it is essential that the impact ofthe saddles of the press take place from both sides in the direction ofthe center plane of the ingot simultaneously and uniformly in order thatthe resulting reduction of the work piece be effected equally from bothsides. The uniform impact from both sides on the ingot is particularlyadvantageous for metalurgical reasons in order to obtain a coherent andundisturbed fiber run.

The employment of a hydraulic press having two opposite saddles whichmove in a linear direction relative to each other is also an essentialprerequisite for the economy inherent in the process and apparatus ofthis invention because it makes possible an operation of the forgingsaddles at a stroke velocity which is almost double the number ofstrokes available with prior art forging presses. As each of the twomoving cross-beams elfects only half the total forging stroke theapparatus provides double the number of strokes while it is actuallyworking with the same stroke speed.

A uniform pressure on the surfaces of the work piece in the direction ofthe central plane requires also that the work piece be introduced andconducted along the central plane of the saddle strokes. Furthermore, astep by step progression of the ingots by the same distance each time isrequired in order to produce a uniform result of the forging process.

According to an additional feature of this invention to work piece isconducted in the central plane of the saddle strokes of the press on arolling bed which is formed by depressable roller pairs and theprogression or advancement of the work piece is provided by a movablegripping tool which takes hold of the ingots that are deposited on therolling bed in the starting position and advances the work piece oringot step by step in time with the strokes of the forging saddles.

The hydraulic press of this invention has two oppositely orcountermoving forging saddles which are operated at equal speeds andwhich are independent of any nonuniform resistances to forging of thework pieces by providing conventional speed equalizing cylinders.

The hydraulic press of this invention has one or more operatingcylinders whose pistons are connected to one cross-beam to effect thestroke While the piston cylinders are connected with the othercross-beam which is operated by the reaction force produced in thecylinders. Such an arrangement of the forging press assures thesimultaneous opposite movement of the forging saddles without requiringa large number of stroke cylinders for obtaining this effect, as it isrequired in the case of presses which have only one movable cross-beam.

According to the invention the conveyor structure for the ingotsconsists of a rolling bed formed of individually depressable rollerpairs. The plane of the rolling bed is adjustable to the central planeof the saddle stroke. The work pieces are guided through the press bymeans of a movable gripping tool which glides over the automaticallydepressable roller pairs. A second movable gripping tool is providedwhich takes hold of the forged ingots and pulls the forged piece awayfrom the press in a step by step manner. The portion of the rolling bedon which the second gripping tool travels is also provided withindividually depressable roller pairs, the rolling plane of this bedbeing also adjustable to the central plane of the work piece.

The manufacturing costs of an apparatus according to this invention aresubstantially below the costs of a standard rolling mill. The operatingand maintenance costs are also considerably reduced with the apparatusof this invention so that for reasons of economy this apparatus offersconsiderable advantages.

Additional objects and features of this invention will become apparentby reading the following detailed description of the invention asillustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the invention showing the hydraulic presspartly in section.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of the invention according toFIG. 1 showing a completely forged work piece and an ingot prior to theforging operation.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the apparatus of the invention along lineIII--1II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section of the apparatus of the inventionalong line IVIV of FIG. 1.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 1 of the drawing numeral 1 designatesthe hydraulic press and a rolling bed which may be adjusted in heightand which consists of individual independent depressable roller pairs2a, 2b, 2c and 2d and of one or more non depressable roller pairs 2ewhich may also be adjusted to different heights. The automaticallydepressible roller pairs 2a through .2d are actuated by a gripping tool4 which conducts the ingot 3a into the press. FIG. 1 shows the ingot 3abeing guided through the press by the gripping tool and supported byroller pairs 2d and 2e while a second similar gripping 3 tool 10 hastaken hold of the forged portion of the Work piece and pulls it awayfrom the press.

The roller pairs 2a through 2d are secured at predetermined intervalsfrom each other in a rigid frame 32 and are urged hydraulically againstan abutment to the predetermined level of the rolling plane. The ingot3a is preferably conveyed onto the rolling bed 211, 2b, 2c, 2d, 26 bymeans of conventional conveyor apparatus. The movable gripping tool 4takes hold of the ingot 3a by means of its jaws 5 and guides it intopress 1. In doing this it travels over roller pairs 2a, 2b, 2c and theingot is still resting on roller pairs 2d and 2e for the purpose ofaiding or rellieving the gripping tool in supporting the ingot.

The hydraulic press is provided with two oppositely movable cross-beams6a and 6b having forging saddles 7a and 7b which press the work piecesimultaneously on both sides and effect the forging of the ingot. Theforging saddles include heating devices 8a and Sb in order to maintainthe saddles constantly at the required forging temperatures.

On the discharge side of the press the rolling bed consists also ofindividual roller pairs designated 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9 and the rollingplane of this rolling bed is adjustable to the center plane of theforged work piece depending on the thickness of the resulting basematerial 3b. Roller pairs 9g also provided on this rolling table andsupport the forged material 3b immediately upon leaving the impact areaof the forging saddles roller pairs 9g being also adjustable in heightdepending on the thickness of the base material 3b. The second grippingtool 10 is provided for pulling the material being forged in thehydraulic press and its jaws 11 grips the forged base material 3b andexert a step by step pull directed away from the press.

After a certain amount of forging has been effected on the work pieceand the forged base material 3b has been seized by the gripping tool 10so that the advancement of the ingot 3a through the press is assured thegripping tool 4 releases the ingot 3a and returns to its startingposition. In this position it is ready to receive another ingot (FIG. 2)and convey it to the rolling bed.

By providing two gripping tools 4 and 10 an uninterrupted guiding of theingot and the forged base material is assured so that a continuousworking operation is obtained.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 2 of the drawing the grippingtool 10 has Withdrawn the completely forged base material 3b entirelyfrom press 1 so that it lies now on the rolling bed formed by rollerpairs 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 92, 9 while the roller pair 9g is still in the depressed position as gripping tool 10 is still above the roller pairwhich is not moved upwardly to support the forging material.

The subsequent ingot to be conducted through the hydraulic press 1 hasbeen gripped by the gripping tool 4 and been guided int-o the press. Inthis position it rests on the roller pairs 2c, 2d, and 2e so that thegripping jaws 5 of the gripping tool are substantially relieved or aidedin supporting the ingot in this position.

Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawing there is shown a cross-section ofthe forging apparatus illustrating the roller pair 2c in its depressedposition. The support frame 130 for this roller pair is provided withguide rods 14c which are adapted to slide in guide sleeves 15c. By meansof a piston 170 which is arranged to reciprocate in a cylinder 160 theroller pair 2c is raised and lowered depending on whether the hydraulicpressure for actuating piston 170 is introduced either through inletconduit 180 or inlet conduit 190. FIG. 3 also illustrates how thegripping tool 4, which is movable in a conventional manner on a track20, takes hold of the ingot 3a by means of its jaws 5.

In FIGURE 4 of the drawing there is shown a more detailed view of thehydraulic press 1 adapted to practice the forging process according tothis invention. The forging saddles 7a and 7b are secured on the movingcross-beams 6a and 6b in a conventional manner. The upper cross-beam 6ais rigidly connected with the movable cylinder cross-beam 22 by means ofseveral posts 21 while the driving pistons 23 are directly connected tothe lower cross-beam 6b. In operation, when the cylinder chambers 24 arecharged with the pressure means the pistons 23 are moved upwardly andcross-beam 22 is urged downwardly by the reaction force. The movement ofthe cylinder cross-beam 22 is transferred through posts 21 to the uppercross-beam 6a so that a uniform stroke of both cross-beam 6a and 6b isachieved. The mobility of the cylinders is dependent on the stroke ofcylinder cross-beam 22 and must be taken into consideration whencharging the pressure means into the cylinders. The pres sure means isintroduced into cylinders 24 through conduits 25 in a block 25asupported to the frame 1 by posts 25b.

In order to assure the simultaneous and uniform movement of thetwo-cross-beam 6a and 6b independent of any varying resistancesencountered in the shaping of the ingots an equalizing arrangement isprovided which consists of pistons 27a connected to cross-beam 6a and27b, connected to cross-beam 6b, guided in cylinders 26a and 26b whichare connected to frame 1. The cylinder chambers 28a are connected withcylinder chambers 28b through a conduit 29. If during operation one ofthe cross-beam moves ahead of the other cross-beam a displacement ofpressure fluid is caused in the cylinder chamber which is associatedwith the leading cross-beam and the displaced pressure fluid istransferred to the oppositely disposed equalizing cylinder throughconduit 29 so that the trailing cross-beam is speeded up and the advanceof the leading cross-beam is reduced and equalized.

Cross-beams 6a and 6b are guided in frame 1. One movable unit includes6a, 7a, 21, 22 and 27a which are supported by working cylinder 24, andthe pressure in cylinder 26a. The other movable unit includes 6b, 7b,23, 27b and 30. The pressure in cylinder 26a and 26b provide thepressure equalization for the upper and lower cross-beams 6a and 6brespectively.

The pistons 30 are connected with the lower crossbeam 6b and are guidedin cylinder bores 31 positioned in cylinder 26a attached to the frame 1to provide a retracting device. In operation, when pressure fluid isintroduced into cylinder chambers 31 the opposite faces of pistons 30and of cylinder chambers 31 are forced apart so that the cross-beams 6aand 6b are returned each to their starting position.

The lower portion of the frame as seen in FIGURES 1 and 2 isrepresentative of that portion shown in detail in FIGURE 4.

Summary The ingot 3a is guided by means of gripping tool 4 under thepress wherein forging saddles 7a and 7b are brought together in unison.This is accomplished by supplying fluid through conduits 25 intocylinders 24. Pistons 23 together with elements 6b, 7b, 27b and 30 bearup on the ingot. At the same time cross-beam 22, together with elements6a, 7a, 21 and 27a bear down on the ingot. If the two saddles 7a and 7bwill not contact the ingot simultaneously, fluid in chambers 28a and 28bwill tend toward equalization, thus bring the two sides of the presstogether at the same moment. Gripping tool 10 pulls the base materialoutward from the press. By injecting fluid into chamber 31 the saddlesare retracted.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for forging ingots into a base material for rolling millscomprising in combination,

a forging press having forging means movable toward each other with acombined linear forging stroke, means for feeding an ingot between saidforging means,

means for pulling the base material from said forging means,

and means for adjustably supporting the ingot and the base material sothat the center line of the ingot and of the base material extendsperpendicularly of said linear stroke.

2. Apparatus for forging ingots into a base material comprising incombination,

a forging press having forging members movable relative to each otherWith an equal combined forging stroke,

means for feeding an ingot between said forging members,

means for supporting said feeding means and the ingot in a predeterminedperpendicular position relative to said forging members,

means for conveying the base material away from said forging members,

and means for supporting said conveying means and the base material in apredetermined perpendicular posi tion relative to said forging membersand the ingot.

3. Apparatus for forging ingots into a base material comprising incombination,

a forging press having a pair of forging saddles movable relative toeach other with an equal combined linear forging stroke,

a first gripping device for feeding an ingot between said forgingsaddles,

means for supporting said first gripping device and the ingot in apredetermined perpendicular position relative to said forging saddles,

a second gripping device for moving the base material away from saidforging saddles,

and means for supporting said second gripping device and said basematerial in a predetermined perpendicular position relative to saidforging saddles and in an aligned position with the ingot,

the center line of the ingot and of the base material extendingperpendicularly of the combined forging stroke.

4. Apparatus for forging ingots into a base material for rolling millscomprising in combination,

a forging press having a first and second forging member movablerelative to each other with a combined linear forging stroke,

a first gripping device for feeding an ingot between said forgingmembers,

means for supporting said first gripping device and the ingot in apredetermined perpendicular position relative to said forging members,

a movable cylinder cross-beam providing a plurality of drivingcylinders,

connecting posts for operatively connecting said movable cylindercross-beam to said first forging member,

driving pistons disposed in said driving cylinders and connectedoperatively to said second forging mem ber,

means for conducting pressure fluid to said driving cylinders foroperating said forging members with an equal forging stroke,

a second gripping device for moving the base material away from saidforging members,

and means for supporting said second gripping device and the basematerial in a predetermined perpendicular position relative to saidforging members and in an aligned position with the ingot,

the center line of the ingot and of the base material extendingperpendicularly and centrally of said combined forging stroke.

5. Apparatus for forging ingots into a base material for rolling millscomprising in combination,

a forging press having an upper and lower cross-beam movable relative toeach other with a combined linear forging stroke,

upper and lower forging members connected to said upper and lowercross-beams,

a first gripping device for feeding an ingot between said forgingmembers,

a plurality of adjustable roller pairs for supporting the ingot in apredetermined perpendicular position relative to said forging members,

a movable cylinder cross-beam providing a plurality of driving cylindersand mounted below said lower cross-beam,

driving pistons disposed in said driving cylinders and operativelyconnected to said lower cross-beam,

connecting posts for operatively connecting said cylinder cross-beam tosaid upper cross-beam,

means for conducting pressure fluid to said driving cylinders foroperating said forging members with an equal forging stroke,

first control cylinders mounted in said press,

first control pistons disposed in said first control cylinders andconnected to said upper cross-beam,

second control cylinders provided in said press below said first controlcylinders,

second control pistons disposed in said second control cylinders andconnected to said lower cross-beam,

a supply line for conducting pressure fluid to said first and secondcontrol cylinders in response to speed variations in the stroke of saidforging members,

a second gripping device for moving the base material away from saidforging members,

and a plurality of adjustable roller pairs for support-. ing said secondgripping device and the base material in a predetermined perpendicularposition relative to the ingot and said forging members,

the center line of the ingot and of the base material extendingperpendicularly and centrally of said combined forging stroke.

6. Apparatus for forging ingots into a base material for rolling millscomprising in combination,

a forging press having an upper and lower cross-beam movable relative toeach other with a combined linear forging stroke,

upper and lower forging members connected to said upper and lowercross-beams,

a first gripping device for feeding an ingot between said forgingmembers,

a plurality of adjustable roller pairs for supporting the ingot in apredetermined perpendicular position relative to said forging members,

a movable cylinder cross-beam providing a plurality of driving cylindersand mounted below said lower cross-beam,

driving pistons disposed in said driving cylinders and operativelyconnected to said lower cross-beam,

connecting posts for operatively connecting said cylinder cross-beam tosaid upper cross-beam,

means for conducting pressure fluid to said driving cylinders foroperating said forging members with an equal forging stroke,

first control cylinders mounted in said press,

first control pistons disposed in said first control cylinders andconnected to said upper cross-beam,

second control cylinders provided in said press below said first controlcylinders,

second control pistons disposed in said second control cylinders andconnected to said lower cross-beam,

a supply line for conducting pressure fluid to said first and secondcontrol cylinders in response to speed variations in the stroke of saidforging members,

a second gripping device for moving the base material away from saidforging members,

a plurality of adjustable roller pairs for supporting said secondgripping device and the base material in a predetermined perpendicularposition relative to the ingot and said forging members,

support frames for said adjustable rollers pairs,

third cylinders mounted for cooperation with said support frames,

piston members disposed in said third cylinders and connected to saidsupport frames,

and fiuid pressure means for actuating said third pis-i ton members tomaintain said roller pairs at a predetermined level so that the centerline of the ingot and of the base material extend perpendicularly andcentrally of said combined forging stroke.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 336,604 2/86Tweddell 78-42 430,837 6/90 Davy 78-102 922,392 5/09 Christianson 7s 421,129,663 2/15 Gier 78-102 1,165,174 12/15 Holmes 78-102 1,167,874 7/28Smith 78-96 4/3 8 Harter 78-20 3 Schenk 29-552 7/41 Tiedemann.

2/ 44 Dewey 78-96 8/45 Flowers 29-552 7/56 Moore 78-60 12/58 Steinfort78-42 7/ 5 9 Appel 29-552 XR 12/59 Kendall 78-42 3/ Biernath 78-42FOREIGN PATENTS 6/ 26 Germany. 4/ 35 Great Britain.

Examiners.

1. APPARATUS FOR FORGING INGOTS INTO A BASE MATERIAL FOR ROLLING MILLSCOMPRISING IN COMBINATION, A FORGING PRESS HAVING FORGING MEANS MOVABLETOWARD EACH OTHER WITH A COMBINED LINEAR FORGING STROKE, MEANS FORFEEDING AN INGOT BETWEEN SAID FORGING MEANS, MEANS FOR PULLING THE BASEMATERIAL FROM SAID FORGING MEANS, AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTABLY SUPPORTINGTHE INGOT AND THE BASE MATERIAL SO THAT THE CENTER LINE OF THE INGOT ANDOF THE BASE MATERIAL EXTENDS PERPENDICULARLY OF SAID LINEAR STROKE.